Classic Southern Pea Salad

Southern Pea Salad is the kind of side dish that always disappears from the table before anything else. The creamy dressing, crisp bacon, and sweet peas make a combination that brings comfort and nostalgia, especially at summertime picnics or Sunday dinners. This salad is a fixture at Southern family gatherings for good reason and is just as perfect for a weeknight meal as a festive barbecue spread.

I first made this salad when we were new to our Georgia neighborhood, and it ended up vanishing long before anything else on the buffet. People came up all night asking for the recipe, and since then, it has been at nearly every party, big or small. It is one of those classics that never fails.

Ingredients

• Frozen sweet peas: provide natural sweetness and color be sure to let them thaw fully but never cook them for the right texture
• Hard-boiled eggs: bring richness and protein cook ahead for convenience and peel carefully for best look
• Bacon: brings salty crunch use thick-cut and cook until crisp so it stays crunchy even after chilling
• Green onions: give a mild onion bite slice thinly and use both green and white parts for the best flavor
• Cheddar cheese: adds a sharp savory note choose extra-sharp for a bold taste and grate it fresh for best melt
• Black pepper: rounds out the flavor with gentle heat use freshly cracked for maximum impact
• Salt: brings out all the other flavors choose kosher for even seasoning
• Garlic powder: adds subtle background savory taste without overpowering the salad
• Celery seeds: add traditional Southern flavor look for fresh seeds for the biggest aroma and do not skip this if you want true Southern taste
• Cayenne pepper: brings a gentle warmth a pinch is enough to brighten but not make it spicy
• Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base pick a brand with bright tang like Duke’s for the most authentic flavor
• Sour cream: adds tangy balance to the dressing use full fat for the richest result

How To Make Southern Pea Salad

Mix the base ingredients:

Combine thawed peas chopped hard-boiled eggs bite-sized bacon green onions and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Make sure the peas are still firm not mushy and press gently with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

Season thoughtfully:

Distribute pepper salt garlic powder celery seeds and just a touch of cayenne evenly. Give a light toss so every bite gets a hit of seasoning. The celery seeds truly make the difference in flavor.

Create the creamy dressing:

Blend together mayonnaise and sour cream in a separate small bowl until completely smooth and silky. This removes lumps and gives you a creamy texture that will coat everything evenly.

Combine and chill:

Gently fold the dressing into the pea mixture using a rubber spatula so the peas do not break. Cover and chill for at least an hour. This resting time blends the flavors and adds to the creamy texture that makes this salad so loved.

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Celery seeds are a key touch in this recipe. My grandmother never made pea salad without them and used to say that they are what separate our family’s version from all the others. After years of following her lead, I have no choice but to agree as they add a whisper of earthiness that ties everything together.

Storage Tips

Store your Southern pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop and the salad actually tastes better on the second day. If you are making it ahead and want to keep the bacon crisp, wait to stir it in until just before serving. The creamy dressing and eggs hold up well, making this salad perfect for easy lunches or quick sides for weekday dinners.

Easy Variations

If bacon is not available or you want a change, swap in diced ham or turkey for a similar savory note. If you want extra crunch and color, mix in diced red bell peppers or even chopped pickles. A lighter option can be made by replacing the sour cream with Greek yogurt. For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and double the cheese or stir in roasted sunflower seeds.

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Serving Suggestions

This pea salad shines on the table with grilled meats especially barbecue chicken hamburgers or pork ribs. It fits right in alongside other classics like cornbread deviled eggs and potato salad at a summer cookout. My family sometimes enjoys it as a hearty salad topper on fresh greens or as a spread between slices of rustic bread for an unexpected lunch.

The History Behind the Dish

Southern pea salad hails from times when fresh peas were plentiful and Southerners needed dishes that would stand up to outdoor gatherings in the heat. It became a staple at church socials and community potlucks because it is easy to make in advance and travels without fuss. Every family puts its own spin on the recipe but the creamy dressing and touch of celery seed remain steady signatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas
Yes just drain them really well before using so the salad does not get soggy

Can I make this salad ahead
Yes it can be prepared a day in advance and actually tastes better after some time in the fridge

Can I swap out bacon for ham
Absolutely you can use cooked diced ham for a different flavor or for dietary preferences

What can be used instead of celery seed
Finely chopped celery is a good option bringing a similar crunch and mild taste

Is pea salad gluten free
Yes as long as you use certified gluten free mayo and double check all your other ingredients

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use canned peas instead of frozen sweet peas?

Canned peas work, but be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture that may affect the texture.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. Chill the salad up to a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop for an even tastier result.

→ Are substitutions allowed for bacon?

Yes, swap bacon for diced ham or turkey for different savory notes, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.

→ What can I use in place of celery seeds?

Try 1/2 cup of chopped celery to add a similar crunch and subtle earthy flavor if celery seeds aren't available.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your mayonnaise and cheese are certified gluten-free if needed.